British School of Ulaanbaatar vs The English School of Mongolia
British School of Ulaanbaatar and The English School of Mongolia are both in Ulaanbaatar, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. British School of Ulaanbaatar also offers EYFS, and The English School of Mongolia also offers IB, Cambridge IGCSE and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are MNT 22,500,000 - 72,200,000 at British School of Ulaanbaatar and MNT 13,000,000 - 31,500,000 at The English School of Mongolia, which puts British School of Ulaanbaatar roughly 113% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. The English School of Mongolia is the larger school, with around 1,325 pupils to British School of Ulaanbaatar's 566. Both keep typical class sizes around 24.
The school is located at Naadamchidiin Road 50, Ulaanbaatar 17081, Mongolia. It is in the capital city and accessible by road. The school runs a morning and afternoon bus service. The bus service is outsourced to a recognised company, the buses are serviced and regularly checked, with regulatory seatbelts and bus supervisors on board.
Location
The English School of Mongolia is located at Tokyo Street-89, 1st khoroo, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 13380. It is a British International School in Ulaanbaatar serving a diverse community of families from Mongolia and over 30 other nationalities.
Stages
Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage: 3-4 year olds; Primary: 5-11 years; Secondary: 11-16; Sixth Form: 17-18
Stages
Preschool; Junior School; Secondary School; Lawson Hill Sixth Form. Preschool follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Junior School is guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and enriched by the English National Curriculum. Secondary School offers Cambridge Lower Secondary (grades 6-8) and the IGCSE programme (Year 9-11), with a pathway to the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11-12; Lawson Hill Sixth Form provides the IB Diploma Programme.
School type
School type
British international school offering the British National Curriculum and taught by British-certified teachers
School type
British International School (day international school). Accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO) and offering IB Diploma Programme, Cambridge IGCSEs, and BTEC Qualifications.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Represented nationalities include Mongolian nationals and more than 30 other nationalities.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Wellbeing is supported by a dedicated Pastoral Lead, safeguarding and counselling teams, and a network of Form Tutors and House systems; EAL support is available; Mongolian language is taught as part of the curriculum.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Country affiliation
United Kingdom; affiliated as a British International School and accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. After-school clubs run from Monday to Thursday.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school runs a morning and afternoon bus service outsourced to a recognised and reputable company. The buses are serviced, maintained and regularly checked, with regulatory seatbelts in place. Bus supervisors are on buses as an additional safety precaution.
- Tuition is billed in three tranches each academic year, with payments due in August, January and April. - Bank transfer details (account numbers and IBANs) are provided for domestic/international payments; bank names listed include TDB, Golomt and Khas. - No credit-card payment method is listed in the published fee schedule.
Tuition fees by year group (term amounts and annual total) — all amounts in MNT
- Nursery (Age 3–4): Term 1 ₮11,250,000 • Term 2 ₮5,625,000 • Term 3 ₮5,625,000 • Annual ₮22,500,000. - Reception (Age 4–5): Term 1 ₮15,000,000 • Term 2 ₮7,500,000 • Term 3 ₮7,500,000 • Annual ₮30,000,000. - Year 1 (Age 5–6): Term 1 ₮18,850,000 • Term 2 ₮9,425,000 • Term 3 ₮9,425,000 • Annual ₮37,700,000. - Year 2 (Age 6–7): Term 1 ₮21,750,000 • Term 2 ₮10,875,000 • Term 3 ₮10,875,000 • Annual ₮43,500,000. - Year 3 (Age 7–8): Term 1 ₮23,600,000 • Term 2 ₮11,800,000 • Term 3 ₮11,800,000 • Annual ₮47,200,000. - Year 4 (Age 8–9): Term 1 ₮27,950,000 • Term 2 ₮13,975,000 • Term 3 ₮13,975,000 • Annual ₮55,900,000. - Year 5 (Age 9–10): Term 1 ₮27,950,000 • Term 2 ₮13,975,000 • Term 3 ₮13,975,000 • Annual ₮55,900,000. - Year 6 (Age 10–11): Term 1 ₮27,950,000 • Term 2 ₮13,975,000 • Term 3 ₮13,975,000 • Annual ₮55,900,000. - Year 7 (Age 11–12): Term 1 ₮31,150,000 • Term 2 ₮15,575,000 • Term 3 ₮15,575,000 • Annual ₮62,300,000. - Year 8 (Age 12–13): Term 1 ₮31,150,000 • Term 2 ₮15,575,000 • Term 3 ₮15,575,000 • Annual ₮62,300,000. - Year 9 (Age 13–14): Term 1 ₮31,150,000 • Term 2 ₮15,575,000 • Term 3 ₮15,575,000 • Annual ₮62,300,000. - Year 10 (Age 14–15): Term 1 ₮33,450,000 • Term 2 ₮16,725,000 • Term 3 ₮16,725,000 • Annual ₮66,900,000. - Year 11 (Age 15–16): Term 1 ₮33,450,000 • Term 2 ₮16,725,000 • Term 3 ₮16,725,000 • Annual ₮66,900,000. - Year 12 (Age 16–17): Term 1 ₮36,100,000 • Term 2 ₮18,050,000 • Term 3 ₮18,050,000 • Annual ₮72,200,000. - Year 13 (Age 17–18): Term 1 ₮36,100,000 • Term 2 ₮18,050,000 • Term 3 ₮18,050,000 • Annual ₮72,200,000.
Other compulsory and standard fees
- Development fee (all years): ₮5,550,000 (annual, listed as a separate fee). - Book deposit: ₮800,000. - Annual bus fee (where applicable): ₮3,477,000. - School lunch (per day): EYFS ₮10,000 • Years 1–4 ₮10,000 • Years 5–13 ₮12,000.
Boarding fees
- The school is organised as a day school; published fee materials do not include boarding fees.
Refunds and withdrawals
- The published fee schedule does not include a separate refund policy or detailed rules for refunds or withdrawal charges within the fee document itself.
Fee payment options
- Bank transfer is provided as a payment method; bank names, account numbers and IBANs are published for payment processing. - No alternative payment methods (for example credit-card payment instructions) are listed in the published fee schedule.
- Pre‑School (ages 3+ and 4+): MNT 13,000,000 per year. - Pre‑School (age 5+): MNT 17,000,000 per year. - Junior School (Grades 1–5): MNT 24,500,000 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): MNT 25,500,000 per year. - Senior School (Grades 9–10): MNT 26,500,000 per year. - IB Diploma (Grades 11–12): MNT 31,500,000 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- No published per-term billing schedule or installment timetable was provided with the annual fee figures. Parents should use the school's payment instructions when making payment. The school provides bank-transfer details for payments (see Payment options).
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee information; the school's published materials present day-school tuition and ancillary charges only.
Other costs and recurring fees
- School lunch: MNT 10,000 per school day. - After‑school homework & sports club (Grades 1–5 only): MNT 13,000 per day (food and drinks included). - Uniform (includes PE clothes): MNT 350,000 (one-off). - Any external examination fees, transport/bus fees, extra‑curricular programme fees or other incidental costs are not listed in the annual tuition lines above and may be charged separately.
Refund information
- The registration fee is explicitly non‑refundable. No separate published refund policy for tuition instalments or other fees was provided alongside the annual fee figures.
Fee payment options
- Bank transfer: the school provides an account at State Bank with full account and correspondent bank/SWIFT details for international transfers. Payment details as published include: - Bank name: State Bank - Account name: ESM International School LLC - Account No: MN94 0034 106000030702 - Beneficiary bank SWIFT: STBMMNUB (State Bank of Mongolia) - Correspondent bank: China Construction Bank, New York Branch (SWIFT PCBCUS33) and correspondent account number as published.
- No explicit published mention of credit‑card or online card payment facilities, nor of a formal invoicing/term bill schedule; bank transfer information is the payment method shown in the published fee materials.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform policy. The Uniform Shop lists items including polo shirts, white dress shirts, blazers, ties, PE kit, skirts or dresses, and cardigans. House-branded hoodies are available for St. David's, St. Patrick's, St. Andrew's and St. George's.
Uniform requirement
Uniform is required. Uniform costs 350,000 MNT and PE clothes are included.
Food options
Food options
BSU School Lunch is provided daily by the kitchen team to supply healthy meals and snacks for students and staff. The meals are prepared by chefs and nutritionists and offered at affordable prices.
Food options
Lunch costs 10,000 MNT per school day. After-school homework and sport club (Mon–Fri) costs 13,000 MNT per day and includes food and drinks.
House system
House system
The school has a house system with four houses: St. David's, St. Patrick's, St. Andrew's and St. George's. House-branded items are available through the Uniform Shop.
House system
British-style House system with four Houses: Austen, Chaplin, Darwin and Seacole. Heads of House are teaching staff; House Captains and House Vice-captains are Grade 11 and Grade 10 students respectively. The House Cup is awarded twice a year, and House Points are earned and exchanged for tokens weekly.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
BSU teaches the National Curriculum of England and Wales. The curriculum is subdivided into a series of Key Stages for different year groups, each with its own course of study and requirements to interlink to provide sequential development of knowledge and skills as a child learns and grows. EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), Primary (Year One to Six), and Secondary form the main learning pathways, with the Sixth Form providing advanced study. The Sixth Form studies for Cambridge A-Level examinations, with AS and A2 level subjects including Mathematics and Further Mathematics, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Business Studies, History, Art and Global Perspectives. BSU is an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools, with two awards in 2018: Compliance and Patron's Accreditation.
Curriculum details
The school offers Cambridge Lower Secondary for Grades 6–8. Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum for Grades 9–10 and the IB Diploma Programme; the school is an IB World School and accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO). The curriculum is informed by the English National Curriculum. From Grade 6, a third language is added to the curriculum with language options including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. The timetable comprises eleven academic subjects including English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry), Mongolian Language/Literature/Script, Humanities (History and Geography), ICT, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Dance; plus Form Time, an enrichment programme, and assemblies.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The Sixth Form offers Cambridge A-Level examinations. The school provides university counsellors to support progression to higher education and aims for entry to the best universities worldwide, while some students pursue higher education within Mongolia.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Pastoral care and student support are provided; families can meet with staff during Open Days to learn about pastoral care and the school community.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Pastoral care supports wellbeing; there is a designated student wellbeing counsellor available.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school has a Child Safeguard Policy.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
BSU's campus is located on Naadamchidiin Road 50 in Ulaanbaatar. It provides a comfortable learning environment that enables students to fulfil their intellectual ambitions and to develop lifelong skills and independence of thought. Small class sizes are paired with subject specialist teachers to give individual attention and deepen understanding. Teaching is conducted in English, with multilingual teaching assistants supporting languages. The school uses up-to-date resources, texts, and schemes of work to support learning. The library forms part of the learning environment, with regular library visits in the Early Years Foundation Stage and access to a library catalogue for students.
Facilities overview
ESM has facilities that support its internationally-minded curriculum and student life. The sports facilities are state-of-the-art and support teams in local and international competitions. The performing arts department provides opportunities for music, dance and drama through events such as musicals and culture festivals. Clubs and trips complement learning and enrichment across the school.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The school has state-of-the-art sports facilities that underpin both team and individual sport programs. Experienced coaches lead participation and drive success in local and international competitions.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
BSU offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales, taught by fully qualified and experienced teachers from the UK and around the world. Teaching is conducted in English, with multilingual teaching assistants supporting language development. The school provides up-to-date resources, texts, and schemes of work to support learning. BSU is a Cambridge International School and COBIS-accredited, with Patron's Accreditation and Compliance.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
BSU provides an extensive Extra-Curricular Activity programme. Activities include Origami, Coding and Swimming. ECAs run after school with external providers on Mondays and Fridays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. BSU operates an additional school bus for ECAs after-school, departing at 16:30 on Mondays and Fridays and at 17:30 on Tuesdays to Thursdays with fixed stops. Places for ECA choices are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Extra curricular facilities
Clubs Enrichment Programmes include martial arts, sports, drama, crafts, chess, robotics, meditation and more, with the programme continually expanding each term. Trips encompass residential study trips overseas for Sixth Form and within Mongolia for Secondary and Junior School, plus international language trips and sports tours. The Performing Arts program offers Junior and Secondary Musicals, Festivals of Song and Culture, and the annual Better Together Variety Concert, providing opportunities in music, dance and drama. Language study is a core component, with English as the language of instruction, Mongolian taught from Junior School, and a third language chosen from Grade 6 among Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
The English School of Mongolia is a private British international school located in Ulaanbaatar. The Executive Principal is Graham Hill and the Chair of the Board of Governors/Proprietor is Jargalan Erdenebat. The school has been an IB World School since 2015, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction and a curriculum that combines the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme. The school is located at Tokyo Street 89, 1st khoroo, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and had 1,081 students (503 boys, 578 girls) as recorded in the 2023 inspection report; it has grown to over 1,000 pupils since the last inspection in 2017.
Community
Community
BSU maintains an active school community with regular events and news highlights. The school hosts BSU Talks, UBAC Badminton tournaments with BSU teams winning gold and silver medals, and art exhibitions such as The Art of Tradition. The Alumni section showcases graduates' university offers and achievements, reflecting ongoing engagement with BSU. Spirit Week and creative workshops are also featured in the community calendar.
Community
The English School of Mongolia serves a richly diverse community of families from Mongolia and over 30 other nationalities. Its Performing Arts program features Festivals of Song and Culture and the annual Better Together Variety Concert. Students and staff also organise events such as TEDxESM Youth 2026. The 2023 British Schools Overseas inspection notes that the school celebrates diversity through local and international festivals and engages in outreach programmes into the local community and schools.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The English School of Mongolia offers IB Programmes and Cambridge IGCSEs, and the curricula are informed by the English National Curriculum and UK best practices. The school aims to deliver high-calibre education while celebrating cultural and personal values. It supports students' educational, moral, social and spiritual needs, shaping lifelong learners who are self-confident, independent thinkers, and curious about the world.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
ESM has an arts department that allows students to explore music, dance and drama. The school calendar features Junior and Secondary Musicals, Festivals of Song and Culture, and the Better Together Variety Concert, providing opportunities to develop performing arts talents. The arts program encourages students to experiment, grow, and perform across a range of events.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
English is the language of instruction, and Mongolian is taught from the start of Junior School. From Grade 6, a third language is added with options including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Russian. This multi-language approach supports cultural awareness and global communication.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
External ECAs are offered after school on Mondays and Fridays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., run by external providers. Places for ECA choices are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. These ECAs are separate from UBAC sports practices and BSU representative teams, which are run by BSU staff. An additional BSU bus is provided for students attending ECAs after school, with fixed stops; priority is given to students already on the BSU school bus, and a fee applies for the ECA bus if the student is not on the regular route.
Social & hobbies
Each school day ends with a range of clubs from Monday to Thursday, offering enrichment, creativity, collaboration and personal-interest pursuits beyond the classroom. Clubs include martial arts, sports, drama, canvas and felt crafts, chess, robotics, and meditation, among others.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school conducts fundraising initiatives and a school-wide donation drive involving students, parents and staff across campuses. These activities reflect the school's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
From Sixth Form prefects through the Student Council, House Captains and Secondary School Leaders to Junior School Leaders, there are leadership opportunities for students to make a difference in the school. These roles help develop the skills and experience to become future global change-makers. Leadership structures and coordinators support student leadership across levels.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school runs UBAC sports practices and BSU representative teams, managed exclusively by BSU staff.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
A dedicated Pastoral Lead coordinates wellbeing support with Form Tutors and safeguarding, counselling and psychologist teams to ensure tailored wellbeing support. Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to the school's care for students. The Junior School timetable includes Health and Well-being as a core component, and the school offers extensive sports programs with qualified coaches and facilities to support both team and individual activities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction for the National Curriculum of England and Wales. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students who require language assistance. Entry requires knowledge of English at a progressively higher standard with age, with an English language assessment used in the admissions process. The School Handbook is available in Mongolian and English.
Language provision
English is the language of instruction. Mongolian is taught from the start of Junior School. From Grade 6 an additional language is introduced, with students choosing among Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school uses English as the language of instruction. Mongolian is taught from the start of Junior School. From Grade 6, a third language is introduced to the curriculum, with students choosing between Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
COBIS accredited member with two awards in 2018 (Compliance and Patron's Accreditation).
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step One: Initial Enquiry. Families may call the School Reception, email the Admissions Team, or request a call to collect details and book an appointment.
Step Two: Consultation with the Registrar and School Tour. The Admissions Team meets parents to introduce them to the School, provides an information pack in English or Mongolian on request, and arranges a tour. The Admissions Team is usually available to meet with parents between 13:00 and 15:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays during term time; other appointments may be available by request. A meeting with the Headmaster can be arranged if possible.
Step Four: Assessment and Taster Sessions. After formal registration and payment of the non-refundable fee, an entrance assessment session is arranged at the School, which includes a written examination where appropriate and an age-appropriate interview with a Head of Key Stage, Deputy Head Master or the Head Master as age and availability permit. International candidates not currently resident in Mongolia may sit the Entrance Assessments at their current school, at a British Council Office, or at a British Embassy under proper supervision and invigilated conditions.
Step Five: Results and Decisions. After the entrance assessment and any possible taster session, the Head Master makes the decision. Parents are informed of the result, which will be either a confirmed place, an offer to be placed on a waiting list, or no offer. The Head Master's decision on entrants is final.
Step Six: Information Package and Signing of the Family/School Agreement (FSA). If a place is confirmed, the Information Package includes the School Handbook (available in Mongolian and English), a bilingual Family/School Agreement, BSU Tuition Fee Payment Procedures (bilingual), an Academic Year Calendar, a School Uniform checklist, Bus Timetables, and Class and ECA Timetables (for mid‑academic year arrivals).
Step Seven: Document Submission. Within five working days after signing the FSA, parents are required to provide copies of the student's and parents' or legal guardians' passports/IDs, medical and immunisation records, the student's birth certificate, two recent passport photographs, the student's school reports for the previous two years (in English or Mongolian), and a reference form from the previous school.
Admissions
1. Grade 1 admissions: The school's Grade 1 enrolment requires applicants born between January 1 and December 31, 2020. Grade 1 admission does not require an exam, but a triple interview with parents/guardians may be conducted if necessary. Applications for preschool (3–5 years) and Grade 1 take place on March 2, 2026, at 9:00 am at the school. For the 2026–2027 academic year, two new Grade 1 classes will be opened, totaling 48 students.
2. Grades 2–11 admissions: Enrollment for Grades 2–11 begins on March 9, 2026. Applicants must take an English language proficiency test and Maths (in English). Students who score 80% or above are placed on a waiting list and admitted as vacancies become available.
3. Documents and enrolment materials: Grade 1 requires a non-refundable registration fee of 400,000 MNT, 2 photos 3x4, a birth certificate copy, and a copy of the parents'/guardian's identity card. Grades 2–12 require the same documents plus the student's green book (excluded from ESIS). Additional documents for students from abroad include copies of the foreign passport with border stamp, copies of the parents'/guardians' foreign passports, an alien registration card, and 2 copies of original transcripts with translation. Pre-school requires a 400,000 MNT registration fee, 2 photos, a Mongolian birth certificate copy, a parents'/guardian's identity card copy, and the child's health record with vaccination details; additional documents for preschoolers from abroad include copies of the foreign passport and parents'/guardians' passports.
4. Registration form: A registration form is provided for download and must be completed and submitted with the other required documents.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Academic Scholarships 2025-26 AY. The British School of Ulaanbaatar invites motivated Mongolian high school students to apply to its Academic Scholarship programme for the 2025‑2026 academic year. Eligibility includes entering Year 10 and birth between 21 August 2011 and 20 August 2010; the intention to pursue the IGCSE and A‑Level programmes; a minimum 90% average; English at least upper‑intermediate (minimum Level B2); independent study skills; maturity and cultural sensitivity; and active involvement in community, arts and/or athletics. Required documents include a completed application form, two passport photos, a copy of personal ID or birth certificate, a reference letter, a two‑year transcript, and an English essay (600 words max). Deadline: 5:00pm Thursday 27 March. Awards are Full (100% reduction), Partial (70%), and Exhibition (40%) based on examinations and interviews. The application process consists of three stages: initial screening by the Admissions Team, weekend examinations in English, Mathematics and Science, and a personal interview with the Head Master and senior staff. Application fee: 150,000 MNT.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Waitlist: After the entrance assessment and any possible taster session, the result may be a confirmed place, a place on a waiting list, or no offer.
Waitlist
2. Grades 2–11 admissions: Enrollment for Grades 2–11 begins on March 9, 2026. Applicants must take an English language proficiency test and Maths (in English). Students who score 80% or above are placed on a waiting list and admitted as vacancies become available.